Teeth Whitening – Waverly, IA
Reveal Your Youthful, Rejuvenated Smile
Years of living really take a toll on the appearance of your smile. We all know that a daily coffee habit or smoking can especially lead to dingy teeth -- but the truth is that most people will experience darkening tooth enamel with age, no matter what they eat or drink. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening treatments erase the signs of age by revealing your youthful, rejuvenated smile. To learn more about this cosmetic dental service, including what the treatment process looks like, keep reading or reach out to us to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose Smiley Family Dentistry for Teeth Whitening?
- Top-Rated Dental Office
- Dentist Who Trained at the Dawson Dental Academy
- Affordable Financial Solutions
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening at Smiley Family Dentistry can improve the appearance of natural teeth that have been affected by the following issues:
- Staining related to coffee, red wine, or other highly pigmented foods and beverages
- Tobacco stains
- Teeth that appear yellow as a result of poor dental hygiene
- An overall dingy look from years of regular use
Patients whose dental staining is a result of excessive fluoride exposure or the use of certain medications (especially tetracycline) may not see results from teeth whitening. If that’s the case for you, then we will review the other smile-enhancing services available to you, like veneers, to ensure that you still leave our office with your dream smile.
How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
We know there’s no shortage of over-the-counter whitening options available today, but Dr. Jonathan Smiley likes to remind patients that they should always trust their teeth to the professionals who know what’s best. After he conducts an oral exam and determines that teeth whitening is good for your specific case, you’ll be given everything you need to whiten your teeth from home, including customized application trays and high-grade gel. You’ll use them for a specific amount of time each day and, before you know it, you’ll have a noticeably whiter smile!
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
Sadly, even professional teeth whitening treatments don’t keep the stains away forever. The best way to keep your pearly whites bright and beautiful is by implementing the following best practices:
- Brushing your teeth after each meal
- Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash each evening
- Avoiding smoking and other unhealthy dental habits
- Using a straw when drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages
- Getting a dental checkup and teeth cleaning twice a year
- Eating light-colored foods, like plain yogurt and oatmeal
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Many patients are anxious about receiving cosmetic or restorative dental procedures because they are afraid they may hurt, and the team at Smiley Family Dentistry will do everything possible to ensure that your treatment process is smooth and comfortable. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatments are remarkably painless even without anesthesia because they are completely noninvasive. While you may experience some temporary dental sensitivity in the days after your treatment, you can reduce this by sticking to a mild, nonacidic diet of softer foods that aren’t terribly hot or cold until you can enjoy them comfortably. You may be able to reduce this dental sensitivity further by using desensitizing toothpaste or waiting longer between retreatments.
How Can I Make My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The results of your teeth whitening treatment can last between several months and several years depending on how well you take care of your teeth. The best way to keep your teeth bright and shiny is to practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day. It’s also important to keep up with regular checkups and cleanings at our office in Waverly so we can address new dental stains in their early stages. You can also reduce the likelihood of new stains by limiting your intake of dark foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, juice, cola, berries, candy, and richly colored sauces. Tobacco use can leave nasty yellowish or brown stains on teeth, so it’s best to kick this habit. If you do develop new stains, teeth whitening treatment can be safely readministered as needed.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Any patient who is frustrated with stubborn dental stains and discoloration may be an excellent candidate for teeth whitening. The best way to find out if this treatment is right for you is to contact our Waverly office so we can set up a consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Smiley will carefully evaluate your oral health and medical history to determine the best way to help you achieve a prettier smile. If you have untreated cavities or gum disease, we will have to address these with suitable restorative treatments before you can receive teeth whitening safely, and we’ll be happy to design an appropriate treatment plan to get your smile in shape if necessary. When you are ready, we’ll schedule you for a customized teeth whitening treatment that can lift troublesome stains and brighten your smile by up to eight shades.